Hundreds of families from across the state of Michigan gathered on Tuesday on the steps of the capitol in Lansing to issue their support for efforts being made to lift the cap on charter schools, giving students the opportunity to receive an education that best fits their needs.

Supportive lawmakers, including Senate Education Committee Chair Sen. Phil Pavlov (R-St. Clair) and  House Education Committee member Rep. Ken Yonker(R-72) addressed the group, issuing their continued promise to fight for the futures of thousands of Michigan students.

On Wednesday in the Senate Education hearing in which S.B. 619  was passed, Sen. Pavlov mentioned the capitol day event and the families he met in his remarks before the committee. SB 619, which has the seal of approval from Governor Rick Snyder (R), is part of a larger education reform package.  The bill is currently waiting to be taken up on the senate floor.

With 4,000 kids currently on a waiting list for a slot at one of the state's two public online schools, the approval of this legislation would give these students an equal shot at receiving a quality education, in addition to provide numerous other students the opportunity for an education option that works for them.